Find the passport acceptance facility near you. See the link in the resources section below. Some facilities require an appointment, so be sure to verify if you need an appointment or if you can just walk in.
You will need a certified original copy of your child's birth certificate to authenticate their birth date, birth place, and age.
The child will need a passport photo. Some acceptance facilities have photo centers. Others do not. You can get a passport photo at office supply stores, mail centers such as the UPS store, and drug stores such as CVS.
You will need a check or money order made payable to The United States Department of State. The cost for a passport as of this writing is $75, with a $25 processing fee.
Both parents must give permission for the minors 15 and under to obtain a passport. This is to prevent one parent from taking a child out of the country without the other parent's knowledge, such as in custody disputes. Both parents must bring their driver's license to authenticate their identity. If one parent is not able to be present, or chooses not to be present, the other parent can have them sign Form DS-3053, which gives their permission for their child to obtain a passport. See the link in the resources section below for a copy of this form. If one parent has sole custody of the minor, he or she must bring the court order showing sole custody. If one parent is deceased, the other parent must bring a copy of the deceased parent's death certificate.
Passports are delivered within 4-6 weeks, so allow time for the process. Expedited passports come with in 2-3 weeks, but require an additional fee.
